By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After rarely leaving the field as a two-way starter for Topeka High as a senior in the 2021 football season, Tylan Alejos has done a lot of watching the past two years.
Tylan Alejos
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound sophomore running back is hoping to change that this fall in his second season for Washburn University.
"I would say that this is the most prepared I came into a football season and I should be seeing the field a lot this year,'' Alejos said.
Alejos earned All-Shawnee County Top 22 and All-Centennial League first-team honors as a senior at High after rushing for 1,327 yards on 202 carries with 18 total touchdowns, including a 400-yard, eight-touchdown game in a Centennial League victory over Highland Park, and recording 40 tackles (16 solo) with a pass interception.
Former Topeka High star Tylan Alejos (7) is starting his second season at Washburn University after a redshirt season at Kansas. [File photo/TSN]
Alejos opted to walk on at the University of Kansas as a freshman and redshirted the '22 season before transerring to Washburn last fall.
But even though he never got on the field at KU, he believes his time with the Jayhawks was a valuable experience.
"I'd say it was the best situation for me because I got to play against some of the best players in the country at the Power 5 level and saw every day what it takes to get to that next level,'' Alejos said.
Alejos was able to make his collegiate debut in a game for the Ichabods in '23 and said he feels like he's done what he needed to do in order to challenge for more playing time this fall.
"I would say it's being more prepared for games and being focused, locked in, even when I'm not in the game and just focusing on my job and what I need to do as a player,'' Alejos said.
After getting more than 20 carries a game in high school, Alejos admitted that it's been an adjustment being on the sidelines.
"It's been kind of tough just sitting and watching but you've got to be patient and wait your turn,'' he said. "Everything will come to you when it comes and you've just got to be ready for the opportunity.''
Alejos feels like Washburn is a good fit for him.
"I believe this was a good decision, getting to play in your hometown and get to put on for the city,'' Alejos said. "You're seeing guys in the city are trying to come here more so we're putting Washburn on notice.''
The Ichabods opened fall camp on Monday and will open the 2024 season on Aug. 29 at Emporia State.
Washburn will make its home debut on Sept. 14 against Colorado School of Mines.
